Lorraine’s resident fashion expert Mark Heyes recently showcased a selection of stylish summer pieces designed especially for petite women, all sourced from high street retailer Roman. The 48-year-old stylist focused on helping shoppers under 5ft 3in find flattering striped garments for the warmer months, highlighting Roman’s dedicated Petite Range. His curated collection included a mix of dresses and tops, with prices starting at £25.
Heyes presented his picks during a televised segment and shared them further on Instagram, where fans appreciated the focus on petite fashion. One follower commented, “So good to see Petite being highlighted,” while another added, “The first stripe dress looks versatile. Perfect for vacation.”
Blue Petite Stripe Strappy Shirred Dress – £42
Heyes began with a classic striped summer dress, emphasizing its smock-style top. “We are talking about Petite here, and Roman has got such amazing things for your petite ladies,” he remarked. “This dress is cut to perfection. The smock detailing at the top is something we saw all over the catwalks, and it’s a classic—it will never go out of fashion.”
Made from a lightweight woven fabric, the dress is unlined and easy to slip on, making it ideal for warmer weather. For a bolder alternative, he also noted the Blue Striped Ruched Marissa Midi Dress from Nobody’s Child, featuring thick shoulder ties and a contrasting waistband, currently priced at £71.20.
Navy Petite Stripe Knitted Vest – £25 (originally £32)
Next, Heyes introduced a nautical-inspired knitted vest. “Isn’t that gorgeous?” he said, highlighting the metallic threads and sequin details. The vest features thick navy stripes, a round neckline, and a sleeveless cut with a ribbed hem for a flattering fit.
It can be easily paired with shorts, jeans, or skirts. For those seeking a more relaxed fit, he suggested the Joules Sofia Cream & Navy Stripe Ribbed Vest, available at Next for £20.
Navy Petite Stripe Stretch Pocket Dress – £30 (originally £38)
Heyes also presented a casual striped dress with sleeves, ideal for summer holidays. “It’s proper easy to wear, it’s not going to crease, and it has a lovely stretch to it,” he explained. The dress includes practical pockets and is made from a soft, flexible fabric.
A similar option is Cotton Traders’ Textured Jersey Stripe Knee-Length Dress, which includes front pockets and is now reduced to £39.
Black Petite Stripe Tie Waist Midi Dress – £40
Joined by Roman staff member Jo at the Sutton Coldfield store, Heyes introduced a monochrome midi dress. Jo, who wore a size 8 instead of her usual 10, praised its comfortable and flattering material. “Throw it on and you shop,” she said.
The dress features a split hem and a self-tie waist belt. One shopper mentioned that despite the petite label, the dress suited her 5ft 6in frame and landed perfectly at mid-shin. A comparable alternative is the Knot Detail Stripe T-Shirt Dress from Dorothy Perkins, retailing at £26.10 at Debenhams.
Ivory Petite Stripe Knit Dress – £26 (originally £36)
Heyes then highlighted a knee-length ivory knit dress with a shorter cut, suitable for daytime outings. The dress is discounted by 27% and is praised for its casual versatility when paired with sandals and a denim jacket.
He also referenced Next’s Stripe 100% Cotton T-Shirt Dress, available for £16 in multiple colors and prints, as a comfortable alternative for holidays and weekend wear.
Black Petite Block Striped Tie Side Top – £26
To conclude his selection, Heyes showcased a black striped top with contrasting horizontal and vertical lines. “How nice is that?” he said, noting the tie detail at the bottom which adds flair to the casual look.
The pull-on top can be styled with chinos or shorts for a relaxed outfit. A similar piece is the Multi Stripe Oversized Shirt by JD Williams, available for £23.80. It provides a breezier, long-sleeved option that pairs well with wide-leg jeans or smart trousers.
Heyes’ curated picks emphasize both comfort and style, providing petite women with accessible high-street options that enhance their summer wardrobe with flair and confidence.
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